title: CT features of esophageal emergencies.
abstract: Esophageal emergencies-primarily, perforation and conditions with the potential to progress to perforation-result in significant morbidity and mortality if they are not recognized and treated promptly. The spectrum of esophageal emergencies includes esophagitis, foreign body impaction, and traumatic esophageal injury. Because there is considerable variability in the clinical manifestations of emergent esophageal conditions, computed tomography (CT) may play both primary and complementary roles in their diagnosis and evaluation. An awareness of the CT findings associated with the spectrum of acute esophageal disease facilitates the accurate and prompt diagnosis of esophageal emergencies and thereby contributes to a more successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. youngca@mir.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Christine O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Menias
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhalla
authors.forename: Srinivasa R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Prasad
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*